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So Roy Hodgson this week made his first big decision as the new England Manager, to name the squad for the Euro 2012 finals. With some familiar faces, some that were missing and some new ones. As usual of an England Manager there were those quick to rain on Roy’s parade, that he hadn’t pick this player over that… However you can’t really argue over his selection of the Goalkeeping position.

Again, we see that this country does have much exciting talent for this position, even with Ben Foster withdrawing from International Football.

He was always going to select Joe Hart and as my stats shall show later this week he deserves this more than most. Fast proving himself one of the best keepers in the world. Hopefully he will get to prove this at the Euros!

Then we have Robert Green. He has his doubters after some high profile errors, but he does learn from them. His form in the Championship with West Ham has been brilliant with: 15 Clean Sheets – That’s a 35.71% Clean Sheets to Games Ratio; 45 goals conceded in 42 games played for West Ham; and Keeping it mean at the back with a 17.79% of goals conceded to shots on goal ratio.

Today Robert Green now heads back into the Premiership with West Ham following an excellent game of football (for the neutral) in the Championship Play Off Final. It does make you question why the papers are linking Paul Robinson with a move from Blackburn to the Hammers, after all why would they want to replace such a talent.

image from www1.skysports.com

And you have to applaud Roy for selecting John Ruddy, who had pulled off some remarkable saves at Norwich (his stats are also coming soon…). He most certainly deserves his place.

Finally if for what ever reason one of these 3 are withdrawn, we have a great young keeper on the replacement list, Jack Butland. As previously posted when enthusing about the young talent in the wings he has been producing immense displays on loan for Cheltenham Town that has got him not only watches by a number of Premier League clubs but also noticed by the England Senior squad. Way to go Jack!

In fact way to go all the England Keepers. Bring on the Euros and some great Goalkeeping displays! 😉

So the Premiership is bad for English football? That English football clubs are damaging the England team, with them bringing talent in from abroad rather than develop or look to bring in home-grown talent?

OK, certain rules are now in place and there is an expectancy for top level clubs to develop their own players. However, doesn’t it seem that things are changing naturally anyway, that our English keepers are slowly being seen on the big stage as some of the best in the world. Talented keepers previously overlooked like Ben Foster (previously posted about) of West Bromwich Albion and Joe Hart of Manchester City, who went to other clubs to show that they should be first choice keepers. With some now citing Joe Hart as being one of the best keepers in the world!

Where as in previous years the press were questioning our goalkeeping talent as not matching that of other countries, including that of current world champions Spain, that now we have a pool of talented keepers that are getting themselves recognised on the biggest stages, through international, premiership and cup competition matches. With the Cup competitions also elevating the talent that is emerging in the lower leagues. Talent that includes Tom Heaton of Cardiff City (previously posted about) and that of Frankie Fielding the bright prospect at Derby County and already in the England U21 set up.

Also consider Jack Butland of Birmingham City, who like Ben Foster and Joe Hart has gone out on loan to get first team action at Cheltenham Town. That from his incredible displays for Cheltenham, has now being noticed by the Premier League, being linked to Arsenal and Tottenham. This shows that the search for talent is not always abroad, but local too. He has also represented England at every level up to the Under 21s! [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2116662/Jack-Butland-wanted-Arsenal.html#ixzz1pTZ0VtLS ]

For me, all this shows that we have much to look forward to with England. With our current crop of keepers, those waiting in the wings and of the development of the next talent through the expansion of top-level development or at goalkeeper specific centres (like that of our own Academy), the future for England goalkeeping most definitely is much brighter than ever before!

Qualified as a Level 2 Football and Goalkeeping coach, with FA youth Award and is currently working towards a (BSc) Degree in Sports Coaching Science and Physical Education.

Got into goalkeeping by accident. Started off as a left back/ left winger however during an u10s game he went in goal and never looked back. Having, 9 years of playing experience with Worcester City Youth, Cheltenham Town and Birmingham County u18s.

Started coaching at local football holiday camps, and has now been coaching for 4 years, within schools and for 18 months at the Academy.

Personal Development

Within Andy’s own personal development, he is always looking to better his coaching ability and reduce the amount of time in which he talks to allow the Goalkeepers to have more time developing their skills and enhancing their own ability to learn.

Philosophy

Performance analysis is important. How even the slightest movement, like squaring up the hips more or keeping the head still will improve the Goalkeeper’s performance. However, aside from that, it’s all about fun, making sure the Goalkeepers have a good time and want to come every week to learn something new and with that, leave every session feeling they’ve been successful.

Making sure the Goalkeepers are having fun tops the list for me! If the Goalkeepers are having fun they will keep coming back and will be eager to learn. Put them in a boring environment and you’ll never see them develop, as they won’t be interested, however the professionalism always needs to be present.